The Titanic's sinking was one of the deadliest maritime disasters to happen in peace time, in history.
With so few artifacts left after the Titanic sank, even things like a rivet from the Gantry used to build the huge ship became worthy of a place in the exhibit.
The pocket watch was a retirement gift from Harland and Wolff to an employee who worked on building the Titanic
Thomas Andrews of Harland and Wolff Shipyard became the main designer of both the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic, which were the most luxurious liners of their time. He would oversee various aspects of construction, ensuring they met the highest standards of safety and luxury.
In 1912, Thomas Andrews set sail on Titanic’s maiden voyage, where he spent most of the journey making notes for improvements and assisting the crew with minor difficulties as they got to know the new ship.
After Titanic struck the iceberg, Andrews assessed the damage and advised Captain Smith that the ship would sink in a matter of hours. Witnesses last saw Andrews in the First-Class smoking room, his lifebelt discarded. His body was never recovered.
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This room was only accessible to 1st class gentlemen from 8am until midnight. It was a sanctuary for cigars and brandy
Newspaper accounts of the disaster labelled Andrews a hero. Mary Sloan, a stewardess on board Titanic later wrote in a letter: "Mr. Andrews met his fate like a true hero, realising the great danger, and gave up his life to save the women and children of the Titanic. They will find it hard to replace him."
The Titanic had 45 First Class Staterooms, the most luxurious rented for $3,300 {$77,500 today) for a one way passage.
The rooms had private promanades, bedroom, bathroom and sitting room.
One of these parlor suites was occupied by Isidor and Ida Strauss. He had served as a New York State Congressman and owned Macy's Department Store.
The story of Isidor and Ida Straus and their unbreakable bond is so moving, James Cameron paid tribute to them in the 1997 film 'Titanic'.
"They were in their 60s, had been together for many, many years and had several children together. Ida would not go without her husband. Isidor was offered a place on another lifeboat but he chose not to go without her. He begged her to get on and she turned and said to him, 'Isidor we have been together for all these years. Where you go, I go.'"
Ida Straus took off her fur coat and handed it to her maid, Ellen Bird. Ellen entered Lifeboat 8 under persuasion of the Straus’s and was saved.
The couple were last seen sitting together on a pair of deck chairs arm in arm.
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His body was recovered, hers was not.
3rd class cost $40 (about $940 dollars today. The rooms were small and located above the rumbling engines of the ship. They were often shared with strangers, but the beds were soft and sinks and toilets were available.
all images are from my family albums
